Absorbent article with leg cuffs

ABSTRACT

A disposable absorbent article may include a chassis that includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and a leg gasketing system. The leg gasketing system may include an inner cuff and an outer cuff; the inner cuff may include an inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff may include an outer cuff material edge such that the web of material is folded laterally outward to form the inner cuff folded edge. The leg gasketing system may also include a leg gasketing system pocket with an opening on an inboard longitudinal edge of the pocket.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/134,632, filed Mar. 18, 2015, the substance of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to absorbent articles (e.g., diapers, adultincontinence articles, feminine hygiene pads) having improved leg cuffsthat yield improved functional characteristics (e.g., reduced leakage,fecal material containment).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The most common mode of failure for absorbent articles occurs when bodyexudates leak out of the gaps between the article and the wearer's legsand/or waist. When fecal material (e.g., runny bowel movement, a mixtureof bowel movement and urine, etc.) is not absorbed into the topsheet andcore of absorbent article, the fecal material can leak out of the gapsbetween the article and the wearer's legs or waist. In situations wherea wearer exudes a higher quantity of fecal material—which is absorbed bythe absorbent core more slowly than urine—the fecal material may movelaterally along the body-side surface of the absorbent article and reachthe barrier leg cuff After the fecal material reaches the barrier legcuffs, it may travel longitudinally along the barrier leg cuffs. Due tothe movement of the wearer and/or a shortage of available space underthe barrier cuffs and/or within the absorbent article, the fecalmaterial may leak out of the gaps between the article and the wearer'slegs and/or waist. This results in soiling, wetting, or otherwisecontaminating the wearer's clothing or other articles (e.g., bedding,furniture, caregiver clothing, etc.) that come in contact with thewearer's leaky absorbent article.

Accordingly, it is of continued interest to provide an economicallyviable disposable absorbent article with the ability to minimize thenegative effects of bodily extrudate leaks, while also making it easierto clean the wearer when the soiled disposable absorbent article isremoved. To that end, it is of continued interest to provide adisposable absorbent article having sufficient retention capability tosafely and cleanly retain bodily extrudate away from the wearer'sclothing and/or skin throughout the expected time of article use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a disposable absorbent article for wearing about thelower torso of a wearer includes a first waist region, a second waistregion, a crotch region disposed between the first and second waistregions; a first waist edge and a second waist edge; and a firstlongitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, the disposableabsorbent article including a topsheet; a backsheet; an absorbent coredisposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and a leg gasketingsystem, wherein the leg gasketing system includes a web of materialforming an inner cuff and a portion of an outer cuff; wherein the innercuff includes an inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edgeand the outer cuff includes an outer cuff material edge; such that theweb of material is folded laterally outward to form the inner cufffolded edge; wherein at least a portion of the web of material betweenthe outer cuff material edge and the inner cuff folded edge is attachedto the backsheet in the first waist region, the second waist region andthe crotch region; and at least a portion of the web of material betweenthe inner cuff folded edge and the outer cuff material edge is attachedto the topsheet in the crotch region and the first waist region; and theweb of material between the inner cuff folded edge and the outer cuffmaterial edge is unattached to the topsheet in at least a portion of thesecond waist region, forming a leg gasketing system pocket, wherein theleg gasketing system pocket includes an opening on an inboardlongitudinal edge of the leg gasketing system pocket.

In another aspect, a disposable absorbent article for wearing about thelower torso of a wearer includes a first waist region, a second waistregion, a crotch region disposed between the first and second waistregions; a first waist edge and a second waist edge; and a firstlongitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, the disposableabsorbent article including a topsheet; a backsheet; an absorbent coredisposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and a leg gasketingsystem, wherein the leg gasketing system includes an inner cuff and anouter cuff, the outer cuff formed from the backsheet and a separate webof material; wherein the leg gasketing system extends from the firstwaist edge to the second waist edge; and at least a portion of the webof material is attached to the backsheet in the first waist region, thesecond waist region and the crotch region; at least a portion of the webmaterial is attached to the topsheet in the crotch region and the firstwaist region; and the web of material is unattached to the topsheet inat least a portion of the second waist region, forming a leg gasketingsystem pocket with an opening on an inboard longitudinal edge of the leggasketing system pocket.

In another aspect, a disposable absorbent article for wearing about thelower torso of a wearer includes a first waist region, a second waistregion, a crotch region disposed between the first and second waistregions; a first waist edge and a second waist edge; and a firstlongitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, the disposableabsorbent article including a topsheet; a backsheet; an absorbent coredisposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and a leg gasketingsystem, wherein the leg gasketing system includes an inner cuff and anouter cuff; wherein the outer cuff includes at least one longitudinallyoriented elastic, and a leg gasketing system pocket that includes aninner longitudinal edge and an outer longitudinal edge; and wherein inat least a portion of the second waist region, the leg gasketing systempocket includes an opening along the inner longitudinal edge.

In another aspect, a package includes at least ten disposable absorbentarticles for wearing about the lower torso of a wearer, the disposableabsorbent articles including: a first waist region, a second waistregion, a crotch region disposed between the first and second waistregions; a first waist edge and a second waist edge; and a firstlongitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, the disposableabsorbent articles including: a topsheet; a backsheet; an absorbent coredisposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and a leg gasketingsystem, wherein the leg gasketing system includes a web of materialforming an inner cuff and a portion of an outer cuff; wherein the innercuff includes an inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edgeand the outer cuff includes an outer cuff material edge; such that theweb of material is folded laterally outward to form the inner cufffolded edge; wherein at least a portion of the web of material betweenthe outer cuff material edge and the inner cuff folded edge is attachedto the backsheet in the first waist region, the second waist region andthe crotch region; and at least a portion of the web of material betweenthe inner cuff folded edge and the outer cuff material edge is attachedto the topsheet in the crotch region and the first waist region; and theweb of material between the inner cuff folded edge and the outer cuffmaterial edge is unattached to the topsheet in at least a portion of thesecond waist region, forming a leg gasketing system pocket, wherein theleg gasketing system pocket includes an opening on an inboardlongitudinal edge of the leg gasketing system pocket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims pointing out anddistinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed the same willbe better understood by the following drawings taken in conjunction withthe accompanying specification wherein like components are given thesame reference number.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary absorbent article.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross sectional view of the absorbent article ofFIG. 1, the cross section taken along the line A-A.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross sectional view of the absorbent article ofFIG. 1, the cross section taken along the line B-B.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross sectional view of the absorbent article ofFIG. 1, the cross section taken along the line C-C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

As used herein, the following terms shall have the meaning specifiedthereafter:

“Disposable,” in reference to absorbent articles, means that theabsorbent articles are generally not intended to be laundered orotherwise restored or reused as absorbent articles (i.e., they areintended to be discarded after a single use and, preferably, to berecycled, composted or otherwise discarded in an environmentallycompatible manner).

“Absorbent article” refers to devices which absorb and contain bodyexudates and, more specifically, refers to devices which are placedagainst or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and containthe various exudates discharged from the body. Exemplary absorbentarticles include diapers, training pants, pull-on pant-type diapers(i.e., a diaper having a pre-formed waist opening and leg openings suchas illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,487), refastenable diapers orpant-type diapers, incontinence briefs and undergarments, diaper holdersand liners, feminine hygiene garments such as panty liners, absorbentinserts, and the like.

“Proximal” and “Distal” refer respectively to the location of an elementrelatively near to or far from the longitudinal or lateral centerline ofa structure (e.g., the proximal edge of a longitudinally extendingelement is located nearer to the longitudinal centerline than the distaledge of the same element is located relative to the same longitudinalcenterline).

“Body-facing” and “garment-facing” refer respectively to the relativelocation of an element or a surface of an element or group of elements.“Body-facing” implies the element or surface is nearer to the wearerduring wear than some other element or surface. “Garment-facing” impliesthe element or surface is more remote from the wearer during wear thansome other element or surface (i.e., element or surface is proximate tothe wearer's garments that may be worn over the disposable absorbentarticle).

“Longitudinal” refers to a direction running substantially perpendicularfrom a waist edge to an opposing waist edge of the article and generallyparallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article. Directionswithin 45 degrees of the longitudinal direction are considered to be“longitudinal”

“Lateral” refers to a direction running from a longitudinal edge to anopposing longitudinal edge of the article and generally at a right angleto the longitudinal direction. Directions within 45 degrees of thelateral direction are considered to be “lateral.”

“Disposed” refers to an element being located in a particular place orposition.

“Joined” refers to configurations whereby an element is directly securedto another element by affixing the element directly to the other elementand to configurations whereby an element is indirectly secured toanother element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s) whichin turn are affixed to the other element.

“Film” refers to a sheet-like material wherein the length and width ofthe material far exceed the thickness of the material. Typically, filmshave a thickness of about 0.5 mm or less.

“Water-permeable” and “water-impermeable” refer to the penetrability ofmaterials in the context of the intended usage of disposable absorbentarticles. Specifically, the term “water-permeable” refers to a layer ora layered structure having pores, openings, and/or interconnected voidspaces that permit liquid water, urine, or synthetic urine to passthrough its thickness in the absence of a forcing pressure. Conversely,the term “water-impermeable” refers to a layer or a layered structurethrough the thickness of which liquid water, urine, or synthetic urinecannot pass in the absence of a forcing pressure (aside from naturalforces such as gravity). A layer or a layered structure that iswater-impermeable according to this definition may be permeable to watervapor, i.e., may be “vapor-permeable.”

“Extendibility” and “extensible” mean that the width or length of thecomponent in a relaxed state can be extended or increased.

“Elasticated” and “elasticized” mean that a component comprises at leasta portion made of elastic material.

“Elongatable material,” “extensible material,” or “stretchable material”are used interchangeably and refer to a material that, upon applicationof a biasing force, can stretch to an elongated length of at least about110% of its relaxed, original length (i.e. can stretch to 10 percentmore than its original length), without rupture or breakage, and uponrelease of the applied force, shows little recovery, less than about 20%of its elongation without complete rupture or breakage as measured byEDANA method 20.2-89. In the event such an elongatable material recoversat least 40% of its elongation upon release of the applied force, theelongatable material will be considered to be “elastic” or“elastomeric.” For example, an elastic material that has an initiallength of 100 mm can extend at least to 150 mm, and upon removal of theforce retracts to a length of at least 130 mm (i.e., exhibiting a 40%recovery). In the event the material recovers less than 40% of itselongation upon release of the applied force, the elongatable materialwill be considered to be “substantially non-elastic” or “substantiallynon-elastomeric”. For example, an elongatable material that has aninitial length of 100 mm can extend at least to 150 mm, and upon removalof the force retracts to a length of at least 145 mm (i.e., exhibiting a10% recovery).

“Elastomeric material” is a material exhibiting elastic properties.Elastomeric materials may include elastomeric films, scrims, nonwovens,and other sheet-like structures.

“Pant” refers to disposable absorbent articles having a pre-formed waistand leg openings. A pant may be donned by inserting a wearer's legs intothe leg openings and sliding the pant into position about the wearer'slower torso. Pants are also commonly referred to as “closed diapers”,“prefastened diapers”, “pull-on diapers”, “training pants” and“diaper-pants.”

Absorbent Article:

The present disclosure is directed to a disposable absorbent articlewith a leg gasketing system and a leg gasketing system pocket with anopening towards the interior (towards the longitudinal centerline 100)of the article, wherein the pocket reduces runny bowel movement leaks.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of anabsorbent article 20 of the present invention in a flat, uncontractedstate. The garment-facing surface 120 of the absorbent article 20 isfacing the viewer. The absorbent article 20 includes a longitudinalcenterline 100 and a lateral centerline 110. The absorbent article 20may comprise a chassis 22. The absorbent article 20 and chassis 22 areshown to have a first waist region 36, a second waist region 38 opposedto the first waist region 36, and a crotch region 37 located between thefirst waist region 36 and the second waist region 38. The waist regions36 and 38 generally comprise those portions of the absorbent article 20which, when worn, encircle the waist of the wearer. The waist regions 36and 38 may include elastic elements such that they gather about thewaist of the wearer to provide improved fit and containment. The crotchregion 37 is the portion of the absorbent article 20 which, when theabsorbent article 20 is worn, is generally positioned between the legsof the wearer.

The outer periphery of chassis 22 is defined by longitudinal edges 12and waist edges (first waist edge 13 in first waist region 36 and secondwaist edge 14 in second waist region 38). The longitudinal edges 12 maybe subdivided into a front longitudinal edge 12 a, which is the portionof the longitudinal edge 12 in the first waist region 36, and a rearlongitudinal edge 12 b, which is the portion of the longitudinal edge 12in the rear waist region 38. The chassis 22 may have opposinglongitudinal edges 12 that are oriented generally parallel to thelongitudinal centerline 100. However, for better fit, longitudinal edges12 may be curved or angled to produce, for example, an “hourglass” shapediaper when viewed in a plan view. The chassis 22 may have opposinglateral edges 13, 14 that are oriented generally parallel to the lateralcenterline 110.

The chassis 22 may comprise a liquid permeable topsheet 24, a backsheet26, and an absorbent core 28 between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet26. The absorbent core 28 may have a body-facing surface and a garmentfacing-surface. The topsheet 24 may be joined to the core 28 and/or thebacksheet 26. The backsheet 26 may be joined to the core 28 and/or thetopsheet 24. It should be recognized that other structures, elements, orsubstrates may be positioned between the core 28 and the topsheet 24and/or backsheet 26. In certain embodiments, the chassis 22 comprisesthe main structure of the absorbent article 20 with other features mayadded to form the composite absorbent article structure. While thetopsheet 24, the backsheet 26, and the absorbent core 28 may beassembled in a variety of well-known configurations, preferred absorbentarticle configurations are described generally in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,860,003; 5,151,092; 5,221,274; 5,554,145; 5,569,234; 5,580,411; and6,004,306.

Topsheet:

The topsheet 24 is generally a portion of the absorbent article 20 thatmay be positioned at least in partial contact or close proximity to awearer. Suitable topsheets 24 may be manufactured from a wide range ofmaterials, such as porous foams; reticulated foams; apertured plasticfilms; or woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cottonfibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers), ora combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet 24 isgenerally supple, soft feeling, and non-irritating to a wearer's skin.Generally, at least a portion of the topsheet 24 is liquid pervious,permitting liquid to readily penetrate through the thickness of thetopsheet 24. One topsheet 24 useful herein is available from BBAFiberweb, Brentwood, Tenn. as supplier code 055SLPV09U. The topsheet 24may be apertured.

Any portion of the topsheet 24 may be coated with a lotion or skin carecomposition as is known in the art. Non-limiting examples of suitablelotions include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,607,760; 5,609,587;5,635,191; and 5,643,588. The specific examples are not limiting, as anylotion or skin care composition known in the art may be utilized. Thetopsheet 24 may be fully or partially elasticized or may beforeshortened so as to provide a void space between the topsheet 24 andthe core 28. Exemplary structures including elasticized or foreshortenedtopsheets are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,892,536;4,990,147; 5,037,416; and 5,269,775.

Absorbent Core:

The absorbent core 28 may comprise a wide variety of liquid-absorbentmaterials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbentarticles. Examples of suitable absorbent materials include comminutedwood pulp, which is generally referred to as air felt creped cellulosewadding;

melt blown polymers, including co-form; chemically stiffened, modifiedor cross-linked cellulosic fibers; tissue, including tissue wraps andtissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbentpolymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any other known absorbentmaterial or combinations of materials. In one embodiment, at least aportion of the absorbent core is substantially cellulose free andcontains less than 10% by weight cellulosic fibers, less than 5%cellulosic fibers, less than 1% cellulosic fibers, no more than animmaterial amount of cellulosic fibers or no cellulosic fibers. Itshould be understood that an immaterial amount of cellulosic materialdoes not materially affect at least one of the thinness, flexibility,and absorbency of the portion of the absorbent core that issubstantially cellulose free. Among other benefits, it is believed thatwhen at least a portion of the absorbent core is substantially cellulosefree, this portion of the absorbent core is significantly thinner andmore flexible than a similar absorbent core that includes more than 10%by weight of cellulosic fibers. The amount of absorbent material, suchas absorbent particulate polymer material present in the absorbent coremay vary, but in certain embodiments, is present in the absorbent corein an amount greater than about 80% by weight of the absorbent core, orgreater than about 85% by weight of the absorbent core, or greater thanabout 90% by weight of the absorbent core, or greater than about 95% byweight of the core.

Exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core 28 aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,610,678; 4,673,402; 4,834,735; 4,888,231;5,137,537; 5,147,345; 5,342,338; 5,260,345; 5,387,207; 5,397,316; and5,625,222.

Backsheet:

The backsheet 26 is generally positioned such that it may be at least aportion of the garment-facing surface 120 of the absorbent article 20.Backsheet 26 may be designed to prevent the exudates absorbed by andcontained within the absorbent article 20 from soiling articles that maycontact the absorbent article 20, such as bed sheets and undergarments.In certain embodiments, the backsheet 26 is substantiallywater-impermeable. Suitable backsheet 26 materials include films such asthose manufactured by Tredegar Industries Inc. of Terre Haute, Ind. andsold under the trade names X15306, X10962, and X10964. Other suitablebacksheet 26 materials may include breathable materials that permitvapors to escape from the absorbent article 20 while still preventingexudates from passing through the backsheet 26. Exemplary breathablematerials may include materials such as woven webs, nonwoven webs,composite materials such as film-coated nonwoven webs, and microporousfilms such as manufactured by Mitsui Toatsu Co., of Japan under thedesignation ESPOIR NO and by EXXON Chemical Co., of Bay City, Tex.,under the designation EXXAIRE. Suitable breathable composite materialscomprising polymer blends are available from Clopay Corporation,Cincinnati, Ohio under the name HYTREL blend P18-3097. Such breathablecomposite materials are described in greater detail in PCT ApplicationNo. WO 95/16746 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,823. Other breathable backsheetsincluding nonwoven webs and apertured formed films are described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,571,096. An exemplary, suitable backsheet is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,107,537. Other suitable materials and/or manufacturingtechniques may be used to provide a suitable backsheet 26 including, butnot limited to, surface treatments, particular film selections andprocessing, particular filament selections and processing, etc.

Backsheet 26 may also consist of more than one layer. The backsheet 26may comprise an outer cover and an inner layer. The outer cover may bemade of a soft, non-woven material. The inner layer may be made of asubstantially liquid-impermeable film. The outer cover and an innerlayer may be joined together by adhesive or any other suitable materialor method. A particularly suitable outer cover is available from CorovinGmbH, Peine, Germany as supplier code A18AH0, and a particularlysuitable inner layer is available from RKW Gronau GmbH, Gronau, Germanyas supplier code PGBR4WPR. While a variety of backsheet configurationsare contemplated herein, it would be obvious to those skilled in the artthat various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Ears/Fasteners:

The absorbent article 20 may include front ears 40 and/or back ears 42.The ears 40, 42 may be extensible, inextensible, elastic, or inelastic.The ears 40, 42 may be formed from nonwoven webs, woven webs, knittedfabrics, polymeric and elastomeric films, apertured films, sponges,foams, scrims, and combinations and laminates thereof. In certainembodiments the ears 40, 42 may be formed of a stretch laminate such asa nonwoven/elastomeric material laminate or a nonwoven/elastomericmaterial/nonwoven laminate. Stretch laminates may be formed by anymethod known in the art. For example, the ears 40, 42 may be formed as azero strain stretch laminate, which includes at least a layer ofnon-woven material and an elastomeric element. The elastomeric elementis attached to the layer of non-woven material while in a relaxed orsubstantially relaxed state, and the resulting laminate is madestretchable (or more stretchable over a further range) by subjecting thelaminate to an activation process which elongates the nonwoven layerpermanently, but the elastomeric element temporarily. The nonwoven layermay be integral with at least a portion of the chassis 22, in which casethe elastomeric element may be attached to the nonwoven layer and thenon-woven/elastomeric element laminate is subsequently activated.Alternatively, the nonwoven layer may be a separate component, in whichcase the elastomeric element is attached to the nonwoven layer to formthe laminate, which is then coupled to the main portion. If one or morelayers of the side panel are provided separately, the laminate may beactivated either before or after attachment to the main portion. Thezero strain activation processes is further disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,167,897 and 5,156,793. A suitable elastic ear may be an activatedlaminate comprising an elastomeric film (such as is available fromTredegar Corp, Richmond, Va., as supplier code X25007) disposed betweentwo nonwoven layers (such as is available from BBA Fiberweb, Brentwood,Tenn. as supplier code FPN332).

The ears 40, 42 may be discrete or integral. A discrete ear is formed asseparate element which is joined to the chassis 22. An integral ear is aportion of the chassis 22 that projects laterally outward from thelongitudinal edge 12. The integral ear may be formed by cutting thechassis form to include the shape of the ear projection.

The absorbent article 20 may also include a fastening system 50. Whenfastened, the fastening system 50 interconnects the first waist region36 and the rear waist region 38 resulting in a waist circumference thatmay encircle the wearer during wear of the absorbent article 20. Thefastening system 50 may comprises a fastener such as tape tabs, hook andloop fastening components, interlocking fasteners such as tabs & slots,buckles, buttons, snaps, and/or hermaphroditic fastening components,although any other known fastening means are generally acceptable. Someexemplary surface fastening systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,848,594; 4,662,875; 4,846,815; 4,894,060; 4,946,527; 5,151,092; and5,221,274. An exemplary interlocking fastening system is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,432,098. The fastening system 50 may also provide ameans for holding the article in a disposal configuration as disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,140. The fastening system 50 may also includeprimary and secondary fastening systems, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,699,622. The fastening system 50 may be constructed to reduce shiftingof overlapped portions or to improve fit as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,242,436; 5,499,978; 5,507,736; and 5,591,152.

Leg Gasketing System:

The absorbent article 20 may include a leg gasketing system 70. FIGS. 2,3 and 4 depict schematic cross sectional views of the exemplary leggasketing system 70 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is schematic cross sectional viewthrough line A-A of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is schematic cross sectional viewthrough line B-B of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is schematic cross sectional viewthrough line C-C of FIG. 1. In the various embodiments, the leggasketing system 70 may be constructed of one or more webs of material90 and include an inner cuff 71 that has an inner cuff folded edge 72and an inner cuff material edge 73. The leg gasketing system 70 mayfurther include an outer cuff 74 that includes portions of the topsheetand/or backsheet in its construction. The outer cuff 74 may include anouter cuff material edge 76.

In one embodiment, each leg gasketing system 70 comprises a single,continuous web of material 90 in conjunction with part of the chassis 22(e.g., backsheet 26 and/or topsheet 24). An embodiment having a singleweb of material (in addition to part of the chassis) to form both innerand outer cuff may provide a cost advantage over embodiments having morethan one web of material. Further, an embodiment having one web ofmaterial may be more aesthetically pleasing, as few mechanical bonds arevisible. In other embodiments, the leg gasketing system 70 may be formedfrom more than one web of material (e.g., multiple webs of material thatare joined together to become one web of material, or multiple distinctwebs of material that are separate from the disposable absorbent articlechassis and form part of the leg gasketing system). Herein, locations(e.g., folded edge, material edge, etc.) on the leg gasketing system 70are detailed in reference to “a web of material” or “a portion of theweb of material.” The recitations of “a web of material” or “the web ofmaterial” refer to leg gasketing system embodiments that may be formedfrom a single, continuous web of material, multiple webs of materialthat are joined together to become one web of material, or multipledistinct webs of material that are separate from the disposableabsorbent article chassis and form part of the leg gasketing system. Allsuch embodiments are contemplated.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the leg gasketing system 70 isattached to the chassis 22 in the first waist region 36, the secondwaist region 38 and the crotch region 37. The attachment to the chassis22 (e.g., topsheet 24 and/or backsheet 26) is made through utilizationof one or more outer cuff bonds 43. In one embodiment, one or more ofthe outer cuff bonds 43 are continuous, or substantially continuous(e.g., in a continuously intermittent pattern) from the first waist edge13 to the second waist edge 14. As seen in the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 2-4, an outer cuff bond 43 attaches the web of leg gasketingmaterial 90 to the backsheet 26. The outer cuff bond 43 may take theform of glue, heat bond, pressure bond, CPW bond, or any other bondingmethod known in the art. In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 2-4, theouter cuff bond 43 takes the form of a glue bond.

Further, at least a portion of the web material 90 is attached at asecond location to the chassis 22 in the crotch region 37 and the firstwaist region 36. The attachment to the web of material 90 in this secondlocation is made through utilization of one or more cuff separationbonds 45. As seen in FIGS. 1-4, the cuff separation bond 45 attaches atleast a portion of the web material 90 to the topsheet 24 in the crotchregion 37 and the first waist region 36, and a portion of the secondwaist region 38. However, in other embodiments, the cuff separation bond45 may attach at least a portion of the web material 90 directly orindirectly to the backsheet 26 in the crotch region 37 and the firstwaist region 36, and a portion of the second waist region 38. The cuffseparation bond 45 may take the form of glue, heat bond, pressure bond,CPW bond, or any other bonding method known in the art. In the exemplaryembodiments of FIGS. 1-4, the cuff separation bond 45 takes the form ofa glue bond.

As seen in FIGS. 1-4, the web material 90 is unattached to the topsheet24 in at least a portion of the second waist region 38. Due to the webof material 90 being unattached to the topsheet 24 in at least a portionof the second waist region 38, a leg gasketing system pocket 47 isformed in at least a portion of the second waist region of the leggasketing system 70. The leg gasketing system pocket 47 includes aninboard longitudinal edge 48 and an outboard longitudinal edge 49, whichdefine lateral dimensions of the leg gasketing system pocket. In oneembodiment, the inboard longitudinal edge 48 is coterminous with a linethat the cuff separation bond 45 runs along in the longitudinaldirection. In one embodiment, the outboard longitudinal edge 49 iscoterminous with a line that the outer cuff bond 43 runs along in thelongitudinal direction. In another embodiment, the outboard longitudinaledge 49 is coterminous with a line that the most outboard bond of theouter cuff 74 runs along in the longitudinal direction.

In one embodiment, the leg gasketing system pocket 47 includes anopening 51 which runs a distance along the inboard longitudinal edge 48of the leg gasketing system pocket 47. The opening 51 is created by abreak in the cuff separation bond 45. Referring to FIG. 1, the cuffseparation bond 45 runs in the longitudinal direction of the absorbentarticle, and is continuous, or substantially continuous (e.g., in acontinuously intermittent pattern) in the first waist region 36 and thecrotch region 37. The continuous cuff separation bond 45 continues intothe second waist region 38, but then stops for a defined distance andthen starts again along the same longitudinal line. The distance inwhich the cuff separation bond 45 stops along that longitudinal line isthe distance in which the web of material 90 is unattached to thetopsheet 24. Accordingly, this distance is the length of the opening 51which runs along the inboard longitudinal edge 48 of the leg gasketingsystem pocket 47. The opening 51 has an inboard lateral edge 52 and anoutboard lateral edge 53 where the cuff separation bond 45 starts andstops along the longitudinal line that the cuff separation bond 45 runsalong. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the length of the opening 51 can bedetermined by measuring the distance between inboard lateral edge 52 andoutboard lateral edge 53, taken along the longitudinal line that thecuff separation bond 45 runs along.

In another embodiment, the leg gasketing system pocket 47 includes anopening 51 which again runs a distance along the inboard longitudinaledge 48 of the leg gasketing system pocket 47. The opening 51 is createdby a series of breaks in the cuff separation bond 45. Referring to FIG.1, the cuff separation bond 45 runs in the longitudinal direction of theabsorbent article, and is continuous in the first waist region 36 andthe crotch region 37. The continuous cuff separation bond 45 continuesinto the second waist region 38, but then becomes an intermittent bondpattern (e.g., stop-start-stop-start) for a defined distance and thenbecomes continuous again along the same longitudinal line. The distancein which the cuff separation bond 45 becomes an intermittent bondpattern along that longitudinal line is the distance in which the web ofmaterial 90 is intermittently attached to the topsheet 24. Thisintermittent pattern for a distance of the cuff separation bond 45creates series of small pockets, together referred to herein as a leggasketing system pocket.

In other embodiments, the pocket and opening can occur in the firstwaist region, the second waist region, or in the crotch region as neededfor the specific type of exudates and the particular situation whereleakage prevention is desired. For instance, a wearer who sleeps ontheir belly (front) may benefit from the pocket and opening beinglocated in the front waist region, as to stop urine leakage out of thefront waist during sleep. Likewise, it may be important to create theopening on the crotch region for users wearing the article in thestanding position as to contain exudates that are likely to locatecentrally in the article due to the force of gravity when in a standingposition.

In some embodiments, the opening 51 measures between about 5 mm andabout 100 mm in the longitudinal direction, or any range or distancewithin the range of about 5 mm to about 100 mm; in some embodiments theopening measures about 75 mm; and in other embodiments the openingmeasures between about 1 mm and about 20 mm. In one embodiment, thelength of the opening 51 is between about 1% and about 75% of theoverall longitudinal length of the leg gasketing system pocket 47 (orany range or percentage within the range of about 1% to about 75%). Theoverall longitudinal length of the leg gasketing system pocket 47 is thedistance from the furthest longitudinally inboard portion of the pocketto the furthest longitudinally outboard position of the pocket. In someembodiments, the furthest longitudinally outboard position of the pocket47 is the second waist edge of absorbent article, and in otherembodiments, the pocket 47 may end longitudinally short of the secondwaist edge. For the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the overall longitudinallength of the leg gasketing system pocket 47 is the distance from theinboard lateral edge 52 of the opening 51 to the second waist edge 14 ofthe absorbent article 20, taken along the longitudinal line that thecuff separation bond 45 runs along. In other words, for the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 1, the longitudinal dimensions of the leggasketing system pocket 47 are defined by the inboard lateral edge 52 ofthe opening 51 and the second waist edge 14. In one embodiment, theoverall longitudinal length of the leg gasketing system pocket 47measures between about 5 mm and about 200 mm in the longitudinaldirection, or any range or distance within the range of about 5 mm toabout 200 mm; in some embodiments, about 100 mm, about 75 mm, or about50 mm; and in other embodiments the overall longitudinal length measuresbetween about 1 mm and about 20 mm. In one embodiment, the outboard edgeof the opening 51 of the leg gasketing system pocket 47 is positionedabout 5 mm inboard from the second waist edge 14 in the longitudinaldirection and the inboard edge of the opening is positioned about 100 mminboard from the second waist edge 14 in the longitudinal direction. Inother embodiments, the inboard/outboard edges of the opening can be anyrange or distance within the range of about 5 mm to about 200 mm inboardfrom the second waist edge 14 in the longitudinal direction; in someembodiments, the outboard edge of the opening is about 100 mm, about 75mm, about 50 mm, about 20 mm, or about 1 mm inboard from the secondwaist edge 14 in the longitudinal direction; in some embodiments, theinboard edge of the opening is about 200 mm, about 100 mm, about 75 mm,about 50 mm or about 20 mm inboard from the second waist edge 14 in thelongitudinal direction.

The overall lateral width of the leg gasketing system pocket 47 is thedistance from the furthest laterally inboard portion of the pocket tothe furthest laterally outboard portion of the pocket. For theembodiment shown in FIG. 1, the overall lateral width of the leggasketing system pocket 47 is the distance from the inboard longitudinaledge 48 of the leg gasketing system pocket to the outboard longitudinaledge 49 of the leg gasketing system pocket, taken along a line that isparallel to the second waist edge 14 and centered in the middle of theopening 51 of the leg gasketing system pocket. In other words, for theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the lateral dimension of the leggasketing system pocket 47 (i.e., the width) is defined by inboard andoutboard longitudinal edges 48, 49 of the leg gasketing system pocket47. In one embodiment, the overall lateral width of the leg gasketingsystem pocket 47 measures between about 5 mm and about 60 mm in thelateral direction, or any range or distance within the range of about 5mm to about 60 mm; in some embodiments, about 30 mm, about 25 mm, orabout 20 mm; and in other embodiments, the overall lateral widthmeasures between about 1 mm and about 20 mm. In one embodiment, theoverall lateral width of the leg gasketing system pocket 47 is betweenabout 1% and about 75% of the overall longitudinal length of the leggasketing system pocket 47 (or any range or percentage within the rangeof about 1% to about 75%). In one embodiment, the length of opening 51is between about 20% and about 100% of the overall lateral width of theleg gasketing system pocket 47 (or any range or percentage within therange of about 20% to about 100%).

When a wearer of an absorbent article has a runny bowel movement, manytimes the runny bowel movement spreads upon defecation and leaks out ofthe absorbent article in an area between the leg cuffs and wearer'slegs, or in an area between the waist region and the wearer's back.Leaks of this type often happen because the snug fit between user's bodyand the attached absorbent article do not allow enough room for therunny bowel movement to remain contained within the absorbent articleduring the wearer's movement. One advantage of the leg gasketing systempocket 47 as detailed herein, in combination with the leg gasketingsystem(s) as detailed herein, are the additional pocketed areas thatprovide extra void volumes within the leg cuffs for containment ofbodily extrudate (e.g., fecal material). When the wearer moves, aportion of the bodily extrudate will migrate into the leg gasketingsystem pocket 47 for containment and be held/trapped between two layersof nonwoven within the leg gasketing system before it can leak out in anarea between the wearer's back and the back waist region of theabsorbent article or an area between the leg cuffs and wearer's legs ofthe absorbent article. Thus, the leg gasketing system pocket 47 detailedherein reduces leaks. Moreover, leg gasketing system pocket 47 providesadditional void volume within the leg cuffs to receive the fecalmaterial which helps in isolating the fecal material from wearer's skin.

In one embodiment, the leg gasketing system pocket 47 is free of elasticmembers 77. In one embodiment, the leg gasketing system pocket 47contains one or more snap back elastic members. In one embodiment, theleg gasketing system pocket 47 has a second opening 55 along the secondwaist edge 14 of the absorbent article. In one embodiment, the leggasketing system pocket 47 is sealed along the second waist edge 14.

In some embodiments, the pocket 47 includes a thermal or compressionbond that defines at least a portion of the perimeter of the pocket(e.g., the entire perimeter of the pocket), such that the at least aportion of the pocket 47 (e.g., the entire pocket), can be made visibleto a wearer or caregiver as to signal the functionality of the pocket 47prior to use.

In some embodiments, the pocket 47 extends to the lateral edge of thechassis and creates channels for facilitating the flow of runny bowelmovement. This open channel area can be sealed by any suitable bondingtechnique such as glue, mechanical bonds, thermal bonds, or the like.

In some embodiments, the pocket 47 can be used as an effective featurefor a caregiver in applying the absorbent article easily on wearer. Thepocket 47 can be used for inserting the fingers and spreading theabsorbent article during application on the wearer, therefore providingease of application. The lateral distance between the left and rightpockets measures between about 120 mm and about 250 mm, or any range ordistance within the range of about 120 mm to about 250 mm; in someembodiments, the lateral distance between the left and right pocketsmeasures about 120 mm, about 150 mm, or about 200 mm; and in otherembodiments the lateral distance between the left and right pockets ismeasured about 210 mm, or about 250 mm.

In another embodiment, the hydrophobic properties, such as Low SurfaceTension Strikethrough or Hydro Head, can be increased in a least aportion of the pocket 47, in such a way that prevents exudates fromleaking through the materials that comprise the pocket. Accordingly,this will maintain separation of the contained fecal material from thewearer. Increasing hydrophobic properties can be accomplished byapplying coatings, inks, glues, silicones, additional materials, or anycombination thereof, or by any other means known in the art.

In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 and inner cuff 71 are the samecolor. In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 and inner cuff 71 aredifferent colors. In one embodiment, there is an additional printing onone or more of the cuffs of the leg gasketing system 70. In embodimentswith printing on both the inner and outer cuffs, the printing may be thesame or different on each cuff.

In another embodiment, the leg gasketing system 70 includes a printedzone that outlines or defines at least a portion of the pocket 47 suchthat the benefit can be signaled prior to use.

In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 comprises elastic members 77positioned in a lateral array. As illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the elastics77, 78 are attached to the portion of the web of material that forms theouter cuff by elastics adhesive 79. In such an embodiment, the elasticsare positioned between the web of material 90 and the backsheet 26. Theouter cuff 74 may comprise at least two elastic members 77, at leastthree elastic members 77, at least four elastic members 77, at leastfive elastic members 77, or at least six elastic members 77. In someembodiments, the elastics adhesive 79 in the outer cuff 74 is present inthe crotch region 37, but not present in the portion of the second waistregion 38 that forms the leg gasketing system pocket 47.

In one embodiment, the inner cuff 71 comprises an array of elasticmembers 78 positioned in a lateral array between the inner cuff foldededge 72 and the inner cuff material edge 73. The elastics are attachedto the portion of the web of material 90 that forms the inner cuff byelastics adhesive 79. In such an embodiment, the elastics are positionedbetween 1) the portion of the web of material between the inner cufffolded edge 72 and the inner cuff material edge 73, and 2) the portionof the web material between the inner cuff folded edge 72 and the outercuff material edge 76. The inner cuff 71 may comprise at least oneelastic member 78, at least two elastic members 78, at least threeelastic members 78, at least four elastic members 78, or at least fiveelastic members 78. In one embodiment, the elastic members 78 may bedisposed between the inner cuff folded edge 72 and the outer cuffmaterial edge 76.

In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 comprises at least one more elasticmember 77 than the inner cuff 71 elastic member(s) 78. In oneembodiment, the inner cuff material edge 73 is laterally outboard theouter cuff material edge 76.

In one embodiment, the elastic members 77 and 78 are spaced at least 2mm apart from one edge of the member to the other edge of the member,optionally at least 3 mm apart; optionally at least 3.5 mm apart;optionally at least 4 mm apart; optionally at least 4.5 mm apart;optionally at least 5 mm apart; optionally at least 5.5 mm apart;optionally at least 6 mm apart; optionally at least 6.5 mm apart;optionally at least 7 mm apart; optionally at least 7.5 mm apart;optionally at least 8 mm apart; optionally at least 8.5 mm apart;optionally at least 9 mm apart; optionally at least 9.5 mm apart;optionally at least 10 mm apart; optionally at least 10.5 mm apart;optionally at least 11 mm apart; optionally at least 11.5 mm apart;optionally at least 12 mm apart. In one embodiment, the outermostelastic members 77 and 78 are less than about 2 mm from the outer cuffmaterial edge 76 and inner cuff material edge 73; optionally less thanabout 1.5 mm, less than about 1 mm.

In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 has four elastic members 77 thatare about 4 mm apart. The outer cuff 74 may have four elastic membersthat are about 2 mm/7 mm/2 mm apart. The outer cuff 74 may have threeelastic members 77 that are about 6 mm apart. The outer cuff 74 may havetwo elastic members that are about 12 mm apart. The outer cuff 74 mayhave two elastic members that are about 3 mm/6 mm/3 mm apart, as spacedfrom the outer cuff material edge 76. In any embodiment, the elasticmembers may be about 2 mm from the outer cuff material edge 76,optionally about 0 mm from the outer cuff material edge.

In one embodiment, the height of the inner cuff 71 is at least about 10mm, at least about 20 mm, a least about 30 mm, at least about 32 mm, atleast about 35 mm, at least about 38 mm. In one embodiment, the heightof the outer cuff 74 is at least about 15 mm, at least about 23 mm, atleast about 25 mm, at least about 27 mm, at least about 30 mm. Theheight of the inner cuff is measured from inner cuff folded edge 72 tothe first point of connection to a material beyond the inner cuffmaterial edge 73 in the crotch region. The outer cuff height is measuredfrom the outer cuff material edge 76 to the first point of connectionthe inner cuff 71 has to a material beyond the inner cuff material edge73 in the crotch region. Thus, the inner and outer cuffs are measuredfrom their respective edges (inner cuff folded edge 72 and outer cuffmaterial edge 76) to the point where the inner cuff is connected to thefirst material beyond the inner cuff material edge.

In another embodiment, the descriptions of the invention including thepocket 47 and opening 51 that allow for trapping exudates can be used inconjunction with an article that does not contain an absorbent core.This is useful for a product that is designed to be used in the medicalindustry as it can enable the collection of exudates for analysis easierwithout the exudates being absorbed into the product.

Construction Materials:

The leg gasketing system 70 may be manufactured from a wide variety ofmaterials such as polypropylene, polyester, rayon, nylon, foams, plasticfilms, formed films, and elastic films. The leg gasketing system 70 mayalso include absorbent materials including absorbent glue, if desired. Anumber of manufacturing techniques may be used to manufacture the leggasketing system 70. For example, the leg gasketing system 70 may bewoven, non-woven, spunbonded, carded, or the like.

In one embodiment, at least one material of the leg gasketing system 70is made from a substantially liquid impervious material. The materialmay be selected from the group consisting of an SMS nonwoven, SMMSnonwoven material, or a nonwoven component layer comprising “N-fibers”.

Various nonwoven fabric webs may comprise spunbond, meltblown, spunbond(“SMS”) webs comprising outer layers of spunbond thermoplastics (e.g.,polyolefins) and an interior layer of meltblown thermoplastics. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the leg gasketing cuff 70 comprisesa nonwoven component layer having fine fibers (“N-fibers”) with anaverage diameter of less than 1 micron (an “N-fiber layer”) may be addedto, or otherwise incorporated with, other nonwoven component layers toform a nonwoven web of material. In some embodiments, the N-fiber layermay be used to produce a SNS nonwoven web or SMNS nonwoven web, forexample.

The leg gasketing cuff 70 may comprise a first nonwoven component layercomprising fibers having an average diameter in the range of about 8microns to about 30 microns, a second nonwoven component layercomprising fibers having a number-average diameter of less than about 1micron, a mass-average diameter of less than about 1.5 microns, and aratio of the mass-average diameter to the number-average diameter lessthan about 2, and a third nonwoven component layer comprising fibershaving an average diameter in the range of about 8 microns to about 30microns. The second nonwoven component layer is disposed intermediatethe first nonwoven component layer and the third nonwoven componentlayer.

The N-fibers may be comprised of a polymer, e.g., selected frompolyesters, including PET and PBT, polylactic acid (PLA), alkyds,polyolefins, including polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), andpolybutylene (PB), olefinic copolymers from ethylene and propylene,elastomeric polymers including thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) andstyrenic block-copolymers (linear and radial di- and tri-blockcopolymers such as various types of Kraton), polystyrenes, polyamides,PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) and e.g. PHB (polyhydroxubutyrate), andstarch-based compositions including thermoplastic starch, for example.The above polymers may be used as homopolymers, copolymers, e.g.,copolymers of ethylene and propylene, blends, and alloys thereof. TheN-fiber layer may be bonded to the other nonwoven component layers byany suitable bonding technique, such as the calender bond process, forexample, also called thermal point bonding.

In some embodiments, the use of an N-fiber layer in a nonwoven web mayprovide a low surface tension barrier that is as high as other nonwovenwebs that have been treated with a hydrophobic coating or a hydrophobicmelt-additive, and still maintain a low basis weight (e.g., less than 15gsm or, alternatively, less than 13 gsm). The use of the N-fiber layermay also provide a soft and breathable (i.e., air permeable) nonwovenmaterial that, at least in some embodiments, may be used in single weblayer configurations in applications which previously used double weblayer configurations. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the use of theN-fiber layer may at least reduce the undesirable migration ofhydrophilic surfactants toward the web and, therefore, may ultimatelyresult in better leak protection for an associated absorbent article.Also, when compared to an SMS web having a similar basis weight, the useof a nonwoven web comprising the N-fiber layer may decrease the numberof defects (i.e., holes or pinholes through the mechanical bond site)created during the mechanical bonding process. N-fibers are furtherdiscussed in WO 2005/095700 and U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/024,844.

In one embodiment, the inner cuff 71 web of material has a hydrostatichead of greater than about 2 mbar, greater than about 3 mbar, greaterthan about 4 mbar. In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 web of materialhas a hydrostatic head of less than about 200 mbar, less than about 100mbar, less than about 75 mbar, less than about 50 mbar, less than about25 mbar, less than about 15 mbar.

In one embodiment, the folded outer cuff web of material has a basisweight of 10 gsm; optionally 13 gsm; optionally 15 gsm; optionally 18gsm.

In one embodiment, the inner cuff 71 web of material has an opacity offrom about 15% to about 50% hunter opacity; optionally from about 20% toabout 45% hunter opacity. In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 web ofmaterial has an opacity of from about 45% to about 75% hunter opacity;optionally from about 50% to about 70% hunter opacity; optionally lessthan about 75% hunter opacity; optionally less than about 70% hunteropacity.

In one embodiment, the inner cuff 71 web of material has an airpermeability of less than about 50 m³/m²/min; optionally less than about45 m³/m²/min. In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 web of material hasan air permeability of greater than about 5 m³/m²/min; optionallygreater than about 10 m³/m²/min; optionally greater than about 15m³/m²/min; optionally greater than about 20 m³/m²/min.

In one embodiment, the inner cuff 71 web of material has a WVTR of lessthan about 5500 g/m²/24 hrs; optionally less than about 5400 g/m²/24hrs. In one embodiment, the outer cuff 74 web of material has a WVTR ofgreater than about 4250 g/m²/24 hrs; optionally greater than about 4500g/m²/24 hrs; optionally greater than about 5000 g/m²/24 hrs; optionallygreater than about 5250 g/m²/24 hrs; optionally greater than about 5500g/m²/24 hrs.

The gasketing cuffs 70 may be substantially inelastic or may beelastically extensible to dynamically fit at the wearer's leg. Thegasketing cuff 70 may be formed by one or more elastic members 77 and 78(such as elastic strands) operatively joined to the topsheet 24,backsheet 26, or any other suitable substrate used in the formation ofthe absorbent article 20. Suitable gasketing cuff construction isfurther described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003

The inner barrier cuff 71 may span the entire longitudinal length of theabsorbent article 20. The inner barrier cuff 71 may be formed by a flapand an elastic member 78 (such as elastic strands). The inner barriercuff 71 may be a continuous extension of any of the existing materialsor elements that form the absorbent article 20.

The inner barrier cuff 71 may comprise a variety of substrates such asplastic films and woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (e.g., woodor cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylenefibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. In certainembodiments, the flap may comprise a nonwoven web such as spunbond webs,meltblown webs, carded webs, and combinations thereof (e.g.,spunbond-meltblown composites and variants). Laminates of theaforementioned substrates may also be used to form the flap. Aparticularly suitable flap may comprise a nonwoven available from BBAFiberweb, Brentwood, Tenn. as supplier code 30926. A particularlysuitable elastic member is available from Invista, Wichita, Kans. assupplier code T262P. Further description of diapers having inner barriercuffs and suitable construction of such barrier cuffs may be found inU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,808,178 and 4,909,803. The elastic member 78 may spanthe longitudinal length of the inner barrier cuff 71. In otherembodiments, the elastic member 78 may span at least the longitudinallength of the inner barrier cuff 71 within the crotch region 37. It isdesirable that the elastic member 78 exhibits sufficient elasticity suchthat the inner barrier cuff 71 remains in contact with the wearer duringnormal wear, thereby enhancing the barrier properties of the innerbarrier cuff 71. The elastic member 78 may be connected to the flap atopposing longitudinal ends. In certain embodiments, the flap may befolded over onto itself so as to encircle the elastic member 78.

The inner barrier cuff 71 and/or outer cuff 74 may be treated, in fullor in part, with a lotion, as described above with regard to topsheets,or may be fully or partially coated with a hydrophobic surface coatingas detailed in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/055,743, which was filedFeb. 10, 2005. Hydrophobic surface coatings usefully herein may includea nonaqueous, solventless, multicomponent silicone composition. Thesilicone composition includes at least one silicone polymer and issubstantially free of aminosilicones. A particularly suitablehydrophobic surface coating is available from Dow Corning, Mich.,Salzburg as supplier code 0010024820.

Examples

Air Opacity Permeability WVTR % m³/m²/min g/m²/24 hrs Outer Inner OuterInner Outer Inner Product Lot No. Cuff Cuff Cuff Cuff Cuff CuffPrototype NA 58.7 ± 2.2 37.6 ± 3.2 26.8 ± 5.6  36.9 ± 4.6 5905 ± 1295224 ± 87 N-Fiber Prototype NA 65.8 ± 1.8 39.0 ± 1.0 65.6 ± 11.5 38.5 ±3.8 5748 ± 276  5193 ± 145 SMS Pampers 0089U011390422 80.1 ± 0.4 38.8 ±3.8 2.1 ± 1.0 56.1 ± 6.3 4063 ± 67   5252 ± 157 BabyDry Luvs1047U011390518 85.3 ± 1.2 36.4 ± 3.4 3.1 ± 1.9 90.2 ± 9.3  304 ± 1445244 ± 26 Huggies BI006912B 80.1 ± 1.0 45.4 ± 4.2 2.6 ± 0.4  45.0 ± 15.73673 ± 190 5581 ± 90 Little Movers Huggies NM1275U1F0755 72.7 ± 2.2 53.6± 2.3 4.4 ± 1.1 145.2 ± 23.2  375 ± 77 5688 ± 85 Supreme 32 dyneHydrohead Strikethrough mbar sec Outer Inner Outer Inner Product Lot No.Cuff Cuff Cuff Cuff Prototype NA 16.8 ± 2.1 12.3 ± 1.3  21.0 ± 3.5  9.2± 1.5 N-Fiber Prototype NA 16.3 ± 1.8 10.0 ± 1.7  15.6 ± 1.9  7.6 ± 1.4SMS Pampers 0089U011390422 >200 6.7 ± 0.8 >100 10.1 ± 0.5 BabyDry Luvs1047U011390518 >200 6.5 ± 1.0 >100 11.8 ± 1.4 Huggies BI006912B >200 8.3± 1.3 >100 14.3 ± 3.5 Little Movers Huggies NM1275U1F0755 >200 9.2 ±1.8 >100 14.6 ± 3.1 Supreme Results are expressed as the average ± onestandard deviation Prototype N-Fiber is a 13 gsm SMNS available fromPolymer Group Inc Prototype SMS is a 15 gsm SMS(Spunbonded-Meltblown-Spunbonded) nonwoven available from Fibertex underthe Comfort LineTest Methods:Opacity Method

Opacity is measured using a 0° illumination/45° detection,circumferential optical geometry, spectrophotometer with a computerinterface such as the HunterLab LabScan XE running Universal Software(available from Hunter Associates Laboratory Inc., Reston, Va.) orequivalent instrument. Instrument calibration and measurements are madeusing the standard white and black calibration plates provided by thevendor. All testing is performed in a room maintained at 23±2° C. and50±2% relative humidity.

The spectrophotometer is conFIG.d for the XYZ color scale, D65illuminant, 10° standard observer, with UV filter set to nominal. Theinstrument is standardized according to the manufacturer's proceduresusing the 0.7 inch port size and 0.5 inch area view. After calibration,the software is set to the Y opacity procedure which prompts theoperator to cover the sample with either the white or black calibrationtile during the measurement.

Articles are pre-conditioned at 23° C.±2° C. and 50%±2% relativehumidity for two hours prior to testing. To obtain a specimen, thearticle is stretched flat on a bench, body facing surface upward, andthe total longitudinal length of the article is measured. A testing siteon the inner and outer cuffs is selected at the longitudinal midpoint ofthe article. Using scissors, a test specimen is cut 60 mm long by theentire height of the inner cuff centered at the longitudinal midpoint ofthe left cuff. Next, a second test specimen is cut, this time from theouter cuff, 60 mm long by the entire height of the outer cuff, centeredat the longitudinal midpoint of the left outer cuff. In like fashion,inner and outer cuff specimens are prepared from the cuffs on the rightside of the article.

The specimen is placed over the measurement port. The specimen shouldcompletely cover the port with the surface corresponding to theinner-facing surface of the cuff directed toward the port. The specimenis gently extended until taut in its longitudinal direction so that thecuff lies flat against the port plate. Adhesive tape is applied tosecure the cuff to the port plate in its extended state for testing.Tape should not cover any portion of the measurement port. The specimenis then covered with the white standard plate. A reading is taken, thenthe white tile is removed and replaced with the black standard tilewithout moving the specimen. A second reading is taken, and the opacityis calculated as follows:Opacity=(Y value_((black backing)) /Y value_((white backing)))×100

Specimens from five identical articles (10 inner cuff (5 left and 5right) and 10 outer cuff (5 left and 5 right)) are analyzed and theiropacity results recorded. The average opacity for the inner cuffs andthe outer cuffs are calculated and report separately, each to thenearest 0.01%.

Water Vapor Transmission Rate Method

Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) is measured using the wet cupapproach. A cylindrical cup is filled with water, maintaining a constantheadspace between the water surface and a specimen sealed over the cup'supper opening. The vapor loss is measured gravimetrically after heatingthe assembled cup for a specified time in an oven. All testing isperformed in a room maintained at 23° C.±2° C. and 50%±2% relativehumidity.

Articles are preconditioned at 23° C.±2° C. and 50%±2% relative humidityfor two hours prior to testing. The article stretched flat on a bench,body facing surface upward, and the total longitudinal length of thearticle is measured. A testing site on the inner and outer cuffs isselected at the longitudinal midpoint of the article. Using scissors, atest specimen is cut 60 mm long by the entire height of the inner cuffcentered at the longitudinal midpoint of the left cuff. Next, a secondtest specimen is cut, this time from the outer cuff, 60 mm long by theentire height of the outer cuff, centered at the longitudinal midpointof the left outer cuff. In like fashion, inner and outer cuff specimensfrom the cuffs on the right side of the article are prepared.

Glass straight walled, cylindrical vials, 95 mm tall with a 17.8 mminternal diameter at the opening are used as WVTR test vials. Each testvial is filled with distilled water accurately to a level 25.0 mm±0.1 mmfrom the upper lip of the vial's opening. The specimen is placed,inner-facing surface of the cuff downward, over the vial's opening. Thespecimen is gently pulled taut and secured around the vial'scircumference with an elastic band. The specimen is further sealed bywrapping Teflon tape around the vial's circumference. A preferred Teflontape is a thread sealant tape 0.25″ wide available from McMaster Can(cat. No. 4591K11) or equivalent. The Teflon tape is applied up to thetop edge of the vial but should not cover any portion of the vial'sopening. The mass of the vial assembly (vial+specimen+sealing tape) isweighed to the nearest 0.0001 gram. This is the starting mass.

The vial assemblies are placed upright in a mechanical convection oven(e.g. Lindberg/BlueM oven available from ThermoScientific or equivalent)maintained at 38±1° C. for 24 hours, taking care to avoid contactbetween the water in the vials and the specimens. After 24 hours haselapsed, the vial assemblies are removed from the oven and allowed tocome to room temperature. The mass of each vial assembly is measured tothe nearest 0.0001 gram. This is the final mass.

The WVTR is calculated using the following equation:WVTR (g/m²/24 hrs)=([starting mass (g)−final mass (g)]/surface area(m²))/24 hrs

Specimens from five identical articles (10 inner cuff (5 left and 5right) and 10 outer cuff (5 left and 5 right)) are analyzed and theirWVTR results recorded. The average WVTR for the inner cuffs and theouter cuffs are each reported separately to the nearest 1 g/m²/24 hrs.

Air Permeability Test

Air permeability is tested using a TexTest FX3300 Air PermeabilityTester (available from Advanced Testing Instruments, Greer, S.C.) with acustom made 1 cm² circular aperture (also available from AdvancedTesting Instruments) or equivalent instrument. The instrument iscalibrated according to the manufacturer's procedures. All testing isperformed in a room maintained at 23° C.±2° C. and 50%±2% relativehumidity.

The articles are pre-conditioned at 23° C.±2° C. and 50%±2% relativehumidity hours prior to testing. To obtain a specimen, the article isstretched flat on a bench, body facing surface upward, and the totallongitudinal length of the article is measured. A testing site on theinner and outer cuffs is selected at the longitudinal midpoint of thearticle. Using scissors, a test specimen is cut 60 mm long by the entireheight of the inner cuff centered at the longitudinal midpoint of theleft cuff. Next, a second test specimen is cut, this time from the outercuff, 60 mm long by the entire height of the outer cuff, centered at thelongitudinal midpoint of the left outer cuff. In like fashion, inner andouter cuff specimens are prepared from the cuffs on the right side ofthe article.

The specimen is centered over the measurement port. The specimen shouldcompletely cover the port with the surface corresponding to theinward-facing surface of the cuff directed toward the port. The specimenis gently extended in its longitudinal direction until taut so that thecuff lies flat across the port. Adhesive tape is applied to secure thecuff across the port in its extended state for testing. Tape should notcover any portion of the measurement port. The test pressure is set toallow air to pass through the specimen. For non-woven cuffs the pressureis typically set for 125 Pa and for cuffs containing films typically2125 Pa is used. The sample ring is closed and the measuring range isadjusted until the range indicator shows green to indicate that themeasurement is within the accepted limits of the instrument. The airpermeability is recorded to the nearest 0.1 m³/m²/min.

Hydrostatic Head Test

Hydrostatic head is tested using a TexTest FX3000 Hydrostatic HeadTester (available from Advanced Testing Instruments, Greer, S.C.) with acustom made 1.5 cm² circular measurement port (also available fromAdvanced Testing Instruments). Two annular sleeve rings, the samedimensions as the gaskets around the measurement ports, are cut from thestandard protective sleeves for fine nonwovens (part FX3000-NWH,available from Advanced Testing Instruments). The sleeve rings are thenadhered with two-sided adhesive tape to the sample facing surfaces ofthe upper and lower gaskets of the TexTest instrument to protect thespecimen during clamping. Standardize the instrument according to themanufacturer's procedures. All testing is performed in a room maintainedat about 23° C.±2° C. and about 50%±2% relative humidity.

Precondition the articles at about 23° C.±2° C. and about 50%±2%relative humidity for two hours prior to testing. To obtain a specimen,lay the article stretched flat on a bench, body facing surface upward,and measure the total longitudinal length of the article. Select atesting site on the inner and outer cuffs, at the longitudinal midpointof the article. Using scissors cut a test specimen 70 mm long by theentire height of the inner cuff centered at the longitudinal midpoint ofthe left cuff. Next cut a second test specimen, this time from the outercuff, 70 mm long by the entire height of the outer cuff, centered at thelongitudinal midpoint of the left outer cuff. In like fashion, prepareinner and outer cuff specimens from the cuffs on the right side of thearticle.

Place the specimen centered over the port of the upper test head. Thespecimen should completely cover the port with the surface correspondingto the outward-facing surface of the cuff directed toward the port(inner-facing surface will then be facing the water). Gently extend thespecimen taut in its longitudinal direction so that the cuff lies flatagainst the upper test plate. Adhesive tape is applied to secure thecuff to the test plate in its extended state for testing. Tape shouldnot cover any portion of the measurement port.

Fill the TexTest syringe with distilled water, adding the water throughthe measurement port of the lower test plate. The water level should befilled to the top of the lower gasket. Mount the upper test head ontothe instrument and lower the test head to make a seal around thespecimen. The test speed is set to 3 mbar/min for samples that have ahydrostatic head of 50 mbar or less and a speed of 60 mbar/min forsamples with a hydrostatic head above 50 mbar. Start the test andobserve the specimen surface to detect water droplets penetrating thesurface. The test is terminated when one drop is detected on the surfaceof the specimen or the pressure exceeds 200 mbar. Record the pressure tothe nearest 0.5 mbar or record as >200 mbar if there was no penetrationdetected.

A total of five identical articles (10 inner cuff and 10 outer cuffspecimens) are analyzed and their hydrostatic head results recorded.Calculate and report the average hydrostatic head for the inner cuffsand the outer cuffs and report each to the nearest 0.1 mbar.

Low Surface Tension Fluid Strikethrough Time Test

The low surface tension fluid strikethrough time test is used todetermine the amount of time it takes a specified quantity of a lowsurface tension fluid, discharged at a prescribed rate, to fullypenetrate a sample of a web (and other comparable barrier materials)which is placed on a reference absorbent pad.

For this test, the reference absorbent pad is 5 plies of Ahlstrom grade989 filter paper (10 cm×10 cm) and the test fluid is a 32 mN/m lowsurface tension fluid.

This test is designed to characterize the low surface tension fluidstrikethrough performance (in seconds) of webs intended to provide abarrier to low surface tension fluids, such as runny BM, for example.

Lister Strikethrough Tester: The instrumentation is like described inEDANA ERT 153.0-02 section 6 with the following exception: thestrike-through plate has a star-shaped orifice of 3 slots angled at 60degrees with the narrow slots having a 10.0 mm length and a 1.2 mm slotwidth. This equipment is available from Lenzing Instruments (Austria)and from W. Fritz Metzger Corp (USA). The unit needs to be set up suchthat it does not time out after 100 seconds.

Reference Absorbent Pad: Ahlstrom Grade 989 filter paper, in 10 cm×10 cmareas, is used. The average strikethrough time is 3.3+0.5 seconds for 5plies of filter paper using the

32 mN/m test fluid and without the web sample. The filter paper may bepurchased from Empirical Manufacturing Company, Inc. (EMC) 7616 ReinholdDrive Cincinnati, Ohio 45237.

Test Fluid: The 32 mN/m surface tension fluid is prepared with distilledwater and 0.42+/−0.001 g/liter Triton-X 100. All fluids are kept atambient conditions.

Electrode-Rinsing Liquid: 0.9% sodium chloride (CAS 7647-14-5) aqueoussolution (9 g NaCl per 1 L of distilled water) is used.

Test Procedure

All testing is performed in a room maintained at about 23° C.±2° C. andabout 50%±2% relative humidity. The Ahlstrom filter paper and testarticles are conditioned in this controlled environment for 24 hours and2 hours before testing.

All testing is performed in a room maintained at about 23° C.±2° C. andabout 50%±2% relative humidity. The Ahlstrom filter paper and testarticles are conditioned in this controlled environment for 24 hours and2 hours before testing.

Ensure that the surface tension is 32 mN/m+/−1 mN/m. Otherwise remakethe test fluid.

Prepare the 0.9% NaCl aqueous electrode rinsing liquid.

Ensure that the strikethrough target (3.3+/−0.5 seconds) for theReference Absorbent Pad is met by testing 5 plies with the 32 mN/m testfluid as follows:

Neatly stack 5 plies of the Reference Absorbent Pad onto the base plateof the strikethrough tester.

Place the strikethrough plate over the 5 plies and ensure that thecenter of the plate is over the center of the paper. Center thisassembly under the dispensing funnel.

Ensure that the upper assembly of the strikethrough tester is lowered tothe pre-set stop point.

Ensure that the electrodes are connected to the timer.

Turn the strikethrough tester “on” and zero the timer.

Using the 5 mL fixed volume pipette and tip, dispense 5 mL of the 32mN/m test fluid into the funnel.

Open the magnetic valve of the funnel (by depressing a button on theunit, for example) to discharge the 5 mL of test fluid. The initial flowof the fluid will complete the electrical circuit and start the timer.The timer will stop when the fluid has penetrated into the ReferenceAbsorbent Pad and fallen below the level of the electrodes in thestrikethrough plate.

Record the time indicated on the electronic timer.

Remove the test assembly and discard the used Reference Absorbent Pad.Rinse the electrodes with the 0.9% NaCl aqueous solution to “prime” themfor the next test. Dry the depression above the electrodes and the backof the strikethrough plate, as well as wipe off the dispenser exitorifice and the bottom plate or table surface upon which the filterpaper is laid.

Repeat this test procedure for a minimum of 3 replicates to ensure thestrikethrough target of the Reference Absorbent Pad is met. If thetarget is not met, the Reference Absorbent Pad may be out of spec andshould not be used.

After the Reference Absorbent Pad performance has been verified,nonwoven web samples may be tested.

Precondition the test articles at about 23° C.±2° C. and about 50%±2%relative humidity for two hours prior to testing. To obtain a specimen,lay the article stretched flat on a bench, body facing surface upward,and measure the total longitudinal length of the article. Select atesting site on the inner and outer cuffs, at the longitudinal midpointof the article. Using scissors cut a test specimen 70 mm long by theentire height of the inner cuff centered at the longitudinal midpoint ofthe left cuff. Next cut a second test specimen, this time from the outercuff, 70 mm long by the entire height of the outer cuff, centered at thelongitudinal midpoint of the left outer cuff. In like fashion, prepareinner and outer cuff specimens from the cuffs on the right side of thearticle.

Place the specimen centered over the port of the strike through plate.The specimen should completely cover the port with the surfacecorresponding to the body-facing surface of the cuff directed toward theport. Gently extend the specimen taut in its longitudinal direction sothat the cuff lies flat against the upper test plate. Adhesive tape isapplied to secure the cuff to the test plate in its extended state fortesting. Tape should not cover any portion of the measurement port.

Ensure that the upper assembly of the strikethrough tester is lowered tothe pre-set stop point.

Ensure that the electrodes are connected to the timer. Turn thestrikethrough tester “on” and zero the timer.

Run as described above.

Repeat this procedure for three articles. Average the six values andreport as the 32 mN/m low surface tension strikethrough time to thenearest 0.1 seconds.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numeral values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm”.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, inrelevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of anydocument is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaningor definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to the term in this written documentshall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

All documents cited are, in relevant part, incorporated herein byreference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as anadmission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A disposable absorbent article for wearing about the lower torso of a wearer, the disposable absorbent article comprising: a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch region disposed between the first and second waist regions; a first waist edge and a second waist edge; and a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, the disposable absorbent article comprising: 1) a topsheet; 2) a backsheet; 3) an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and 4) a leg gasketing system, wherein the leg gasketing system comprises a web of material forming an inner cuff and a portion of an outer cuff; wherein the inner cuff comprises an inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff comprises an outer cuff material edge, such that the web of material is folded laterally outward to form the inner cuff folded edge; wherein at least a portion of the web of material between the outer cuff material edge and the inner cuff folded edge is attached to the backsheet in the first waist region, the second waist region and the crotch region; wherein at least a portion of the web of material between the inner cuff folded edge and the outer cuff material edge is attached to the topsheet in the crotch region and the first waist region; wherein the web of material between the inner cuff folded edge and the outer cuff material edge is unattached to the topsheet in at least a portion of the second waist region, forming a leg gasketing system pocket; and wherein the leg gasketing system pocket comprises an opening on an inboard longitudinal edge of the leg gasketing system pocket.
 2. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the opening of the leg gasketing system pocket measures between about 5 mm and about 100 mm in a longitudinal direction.
 3. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the opening of the leg gasketing system pocket measures about 75 mm in a longitudinal direction.
 4. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the leg gasketing system pocket has an overall longitudinal length of between about 5 mm and about 200 mm in a longitudinal direction.
 5. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the opening of the leg gasketing system pocket is between about 1% and about 75% of an overall longitudinal length of the leg gasketing system pocket.
 6. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the leg gasketing system pocket has an overall lateral width of between about 5 mm and about 60 mm in a lateral direction.
 7. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the leg gasketing system pocket has an overall lateral width of between about 1 mm and about 20 mm in a lateral direction.
 8. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the leg gasketing system pocket is free of elastic members.
 9. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the leg gasketing system pocket contains one or more snap back elastic members.
 10. The disposable absorbent article of claim 8, wherein the leg gasketing system pocket has a second opening along the second waist edge of the absorbent article.
 11. The disposable article of claim 8, wherein the opening of the leg gasketing system pocket is formed by a series of intermittent bonds.
 12. The disposable absorbent article of claim 8, wherein the leg gasketing system pocket has series of intermittent bonds along the second waist edge of the absorbent article.
 13. A disposable absorbent article for wearing about the lower torso of a wearer, the disposable absorbent article comprising: a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch region disposed between the first and second waist regions; a first waist edge and a second waist edge; and a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, the disposable absorbent article comprising: 1) a topsheet; 2) a backsheet; 3) an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and 4) a leg gasketing system, wherein the leg gasketing system comprises an inner cuff and an outer cuff, the outer cuff formed from the backsheet and a separate web of material; wherein the leg gasketing system extends from the first waist edge to the second waist edge; and at least a portion of the web of material is attached to the backsheet in the first waist region, the second waist region and the crotch region; at least a portion of the web material is attached to the topsheet in the crotch region and the first waist region; and the web of material is unattached to the topsheet in at least a portion of the second waist region, forming a leg gasketing system pocket with an opening on an inboard longitudinal edge of the leg gasketing system pocket.
 14. The disposable absorbent article of claim 13, wherein the opening of the leg gasketing system pocket measures between about 5 mm and about 100 mm in a longitudinal direction.
 15. The disposable absorbent article of claim 13, wherein the opening of the leg gasketing system pocket measures about 75 mm in a longitudinal direction.
 16. The disposable absorbent article of claim 13, wherein the leg gasketing system pocket has an overall longitudinal length of between about 5 mm and about 100 mm in a longitudinal direction.
 17. The disposable absorbent article of claim 13, wherein the opening of the leg gasketing system pocket is between about 1% and about 75% of an overall longitudinal length of the leg gasketing system pocket.
 18. The disposable absorbent article of claim 13, wherein the leg gasketing system pocket has an overall lateral width of between about 5 mm and about 60 mm in a lateral direction.
 19. The disposable absorbent article of claim 13, wherein the leg gasketing system pocket has an overall lateral width of between about lmm and about 20 mm in a lateral direction.
 20. A package of at least ten disposable absorbent articles for wearing about the lower torso of a wearer, the disposable absorbent articles comprising: a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch region disposed between the first and second waist regions; a first waist edge and a second waist edge; and a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, the disposable absorbent articles comprising: 1) a topsheet; 2) a backsheet; 3) an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and 4) a leg gasketing system, wherein the leg gasketing system comprises a web of material forming an inner cuff and a portion of an outer cuff; wherein the inner cuff comprises an inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff comprises an outer cuff material edge such that the web of material is folded laterally outward to form the inner cuff folded edge; wherein at least a portion of the web of material between the outer cuff material edge and the inner cuff folded edge is attached to the backsheet in the first waist region, the second waist region and the crotch region; wherein at least a portion of the web of material between the inner cuff folded edge and the outer cuff material edge is attached to the topsheet in the crotch region and the first waist region; wherein the web of material between the inner cuff folded edge and the outer cuff material edge is unattached to the topsheet in at least a portion of the second waist region, forming a leg gasketing system pocket; and wherein the leg gasketing system pocket comprises an opening on an inboard longitudinal edge of the leg gasketing system pocket. 